Ukraine War Update NEWS: News & Further Aid Analysis
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"We recognize that equipping Ukraine to push Russia out of its territory is as important as equipping them to defend what they already have."
Hello Team!
Jonathan provides a separate news segment due to the large volume of news to cover, particularly regarding the significant amount of aid being pledged to Ukraine from various countries. He notes this is brilliant and exactly what Ukraine needs.
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Ukrainian Figures on Russian Losses
- Ukraine released figures indicating 770 Russian personnel losses, 3 tanks, 6 APCs, 7 artillery systems
- While artillery losses are significant, Russia likely has a large stock of legacy howitzers
- Fuel and ammunition are also critical factors in addition to equipment
Hungary Blocking EU Aid
Hungary is blocking €500 million of EU military aid to Ukraine. As a pro-Russia EU member, Hungary is using this as leverage to continue operating in authoritarian ways counter to EU democratic principles. This is a major problem for the EU going forward.
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Tallinn Pledge and Unprecedented Aid
- UK Defence Secretary Ben Wallace gave a powerful speech affirming long-term support for Ukraine to win, not just defend, and that Russia must leave all Ukrainian territory
- The UK and 8 other European nations signed the Tallinn Pledge, condemning Russian aggression and committing to providing an unprecedented aid package to help Ukraine achieve victory in 2023
- The aid includes main battle tanks, artillery, air defence, ammunition, and infantry fighting vehicles from national stocks, demonstrating the severity of the situation
- The countries will urge other allies at the upcoming Ramstein meeting to follow suit and accelerate support
Extensive List of Pledged Military Aid
An extensive list of military aid pledged by various countries is provided, including:
- UK: Challenger 2 tanks, AS-90 howitzers, armoured vehicles, ammunition
- Canada: armoured vehicles, air defence battery
- Poland: Leopard 2 tanks
- US: Bradleys, Strykers, howitzers, armoured vehicles, air defence, ammunition
- France: AMX wheeled tanks, CAESAR artillery
- Germany: Marder IFVs, Patriot and IRIS-T air defence, radars
- And many more from Netherlands, Finland, Estonia, Denmark, Sweden, Czechia
Aid Falls Short on Long-Range Capabilities
While the pledged aid is substantial, it lacks long-range equipment like ATACMS or GLSDB that Ukraine needs to fully push Russia out. There are delays in providing GLSDB and no mention of ATACMS. Jonathan argues the US should provide ATACMS regardless of cost as they are being phased out anyway. Long-range fires are critical to achieving the goals outlined by Defence Secretary Wallace.
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Situation in Russia
- Despite sanctions, less than 9% of Western companies have fully withdrawn from Russia and many continue operating normally
- Russia is placing Pantsir air defence systems on rooftops in Moscow, likely as a paranoia tactic or to stoke fear in the population for internal unity against supposed NATO aggression
- Russian forces are building up in Zaporizhzhia oblast, but it's unclear if this is for offensive or defensive purposes; Jonathan believes an offensive there is unlikely
Seizing Russian Assets
The US Department of Justice plans to begin transferring seized Russian assets to Ukraine in the coming weeks, in accordance with recent legislation. This contrasts with the UK's position that it is too legally and practically difficult to liquidate assets like yachts and property. Many countries will be watching how the US handles this as a potential model.
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Wrap Up
Jonathan thanks viewers for watching and supporting the channel. He appreciates the thoughtful comment threads and tries his best to respond as a one-man operation. Tea was not mentioned in this video.
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